Former Arsenal captain joins celebrations for community sports scheme

The former England and Arsenal women’s football captain joined young people to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a community sports scheme in Islington.

Faye White, a professional footballer of 17 years, visited Rosemary Gardens on Southgate Road which opened as part of an initiative to create community sports sites across the country.

Run by Barclays and the Football Foundation, the Spaces for Sports partnership uses the positive value of sport to help young people from disadvantaged communities develop the skills to reach their potential.

White, who was awarded an MBE in 2006, said: “The investment in projects like Rosemary Gardens, and hundreds of others across the country, means that young people have access to quality facilities where they can enjoy all the benefits associated with playing sport, like improving their health and teamwork skills.

“This area is better off thanks to Barclays and the Football Foundation.”

A total of £650,000 has been invested into Rosemary Gardens by the two organisations which has funded an artificial 3G pitch, two tennis court, changing facilities and basketball and table tennis areas.

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “Thanks to Barclays and the Football Foundation’s investment over the last decade, more than 53,000 people are now using Spaces for Sports sites across the UK every week.

“Undoubtedly the programme has created a lasting sports infrastructure legacy that can get people active and regenerate hundreds of deprived communities across the UK.”